There are many factors that draw players to Pokemon. Some love the competitive scene, while others are dedicated to catching every creature in existence. Regardless of what one's main interest is, the design of the Pokemon is usually very important. Fortunately, this is a department where Pokemon Scarlet and Violet do not disappoint. This paints a positive future for the franchise, as it proves that Game Freak still has plenty of creativity left.
Even with over a thousand Pokemon on the roster, the franchise continues to give players reasons to care about them. Unfortunately, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were held back by performance issues. If the studio can overcome these with the next mainline release, it could be the best entry yet.
The Unique Designs of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Scarlet and Violet expand the Pokedex by introducing 103 new Pokemon, bringing the grand total to 1008. As players explore Paldea, they will find that this time around, Game Freak has gone out of its way to introduce unique and memorable designs. For players who like cute creatures, there are more than enough new additions to keep them satisfied. Gen 9 brings the adorable Cetoddle, which is an Ice-type creature that waddles around and is as round as a ball. There is also Tinkaton which is small and pink but carries a giant hammer that it uses to knock stones and bully soaring Corviknight.
There are also a few designs that are sure to get some chuckles out of fans. This includes Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Dudunsparce which is almost identical to its pre-evolution, Dunsparce, except it has an extra body segment. There is also Palafin which looks like an ordinary dolphin at first. However, if players bring it out in battle, call it back, and bring it out again, it transforms into its Hero Form which greatly raises its stats and makes it look like a superhero. Scarlet and Violet also introduce Farigiraf, which is the evolved form of Girafarig. The Pokemon has its main head covered by its tail's head. This makes it look like it is so tall that it has a spacesuit on.
Some Trainers are attracted to the meanest-looking Pokemon, and there are plenty of beasts that fit this description as well. This includes Baxcalibur, which is an Ice/Dragon pseudo-Legendary that has a scale on its back that looks like the hilt of a sword. This is likely a reference to the myth of King Arthur who pulls the Excalibur sword from a stone. There is also Chien-Pao, a white creature that looks like a saber-toothed tiger. It is one of the Four Treasures of Ruin that players can add to their team. Chien-Pao stands out thanks to its elegance and the fact that it has swords for fangs.
Game Freak Can Get Things Right With Gen 10
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet sold extremely well, although they didn't receive a warm critical reception. This was largely due to the graphical and performance issues that plagued the game at launch and continue to be a problem. The otherwise fun adventure through Paldea is sullied by low frame rates, glitches, and low-resolution assets. There has been a lot of speculation about why Scarlet and Violet were released in this state. Some have theorized that it could be due to the studio pushing to release the game in time for the holiday season. This was a tall order, considering Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released in 2022.
Regardless of the reason, the studio has a chance to rectify things with Gen 10. There is much Game Freak can learn from both Scarlet and Violet as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus. If the same creativity can be put into a game that is technically sound, the studio will have a masterpiece on its hands.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.